Nissan VQ engine

The VQ is a family of V6 automobile petrol engines developed by Nissan and produced in displacements varying from 2.0L to 4.0L. Designed to replace the VG series, the all-aluminium 4-valve per cylinder DOHC design debuted with Nissan's EGI/ECCS sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) system. Changes from the VG engine include switching to a timing chain from a timing belt, and relocating the water pump from the outside of the engine to inside the timing cover where the pump is driven by the timing chain. Later versions featured various improvements, such as variable valve timing, and NEO-Di designated VQ engines replace MPFI with direct fuel injection.

The VQ series engine was honored in a record 14-straight selections by Ward's 10 Best Engines from the list's inception until 2008.

Versions

1st gen (1994-)

• VQ20DE
• VQ25DE 1st

DE series

VQ20DE

The VQ20DE is an aluminium block, aluminium head, DOHC 24-valve 2.0L (1,995cc) V6, with a 76mm ×73.3mm (2.99in ×2.89in) bore and stroke and compression ratio ranging from 9.5 to 10.0:1. In base form it produces 150PS (110kW; 148hp) to 160PS (118kW; 158hp) at 6400rpm and 137 to 145lb⋅ft (186 to 197N⋅m) at 4400rpm (lean burn).

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 1994–2003 Nissan Cefiro A32 and A33
• 1995–1999 Nissan QX A32
• 1998–2005 Renault Samsung SM5 KPQ/A32

VQ23DE

The VQ23DE displaces 2.3 L (2349cc) and is eqontinuously Variable-valve Timing Control). Bore and stroke are 85mm ×69mm (3.35in ×2.72in), and compression ratio is 9.8:1. It produces 173PS (127kW; 171hp) at 6000rpm and 166lb⋅ft (225N⋅m) at 4400rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2003–2008 Nissan Teana J31
• 2006–2011 Renault Samsung SM7 170PS (125kW; 168hp) (Neo VQ23)
• 2008–2011 Renault Safrane 170PS (125kW; 168hp) (Neo VQ23)

VQ25DE (Renault V4U)

The VQ25DE is similar to the VQ20DE, but is .5 L larger, at 2.5L (2,496cc) displacement. Bore and stroke are 85mm ×73.3mm (3.35in ×2.89in), with compression ratios ranging from 9.8 to 10.3:1. It produces 190 to 210PS (140 to 154kW; 187 to 207hp) at 6400rpm and 174 to 195lb⋅ft (236 to 264N⋅m) of torque. Later versions produce 186PS (137kW; 183hp) at 6000rpm and 171N⋅m (126lb⋅ft) at 3200rpm. In some Nissans, this engine was replaced by the QR25DE.

• 1994–1998 Nissan Cefiro (A32)
• 2000–2003 Nissan Cefiro (A33)
• 1996–1999 Nissan Leopard (FY33)
• 1997–1999 Nissan Cedric (Y33)
• 2004–2007 Nissan Fuga (Y50)
• 2004–2007 Infiniti M (Y50)
• 2004–2010 Nissan Elgrand (E51)
• 2008–2011 Nissan Teana (J32)
• 1998–2005 Renault Samsung SM5 (KPQ/A32)
• 2010–2019 Renault Samsung SM5 (L43) 178PS (131kW; 176hp)
• 2010–2015 Renault Latitude (L43) 178PS (131kW; 176hp)

VQ25DET

The VQ25DET is a turbocharged 2.5L (2,495cc) engine with CVTC. Its bore and stroke are 85mm ×73.3mm (3.35in ×2.89in), with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. It produces 280PS (206kW; 276hp) at 6400rpm and 300lb⋅ft (407N⋅m) at 3200rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2001–2004 Nissan Stagea 250t RS FOUR V, 250t RX FOUR, AR-X FOUR and Autech AXIS (NM35)

VQ30DE

The 3.0L (2,988cc) VQ30DE has a bore and stroke of 93mm ×73.3mm (3.66in ×2.89in) respectively with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. It produces 192PS (141kW; 189hp) to 230PS (169kW; 227hp) at 6400rpm and 205 to 217lb⋅ft (278 to 294N⋅m) at 4400rpm. The VQ30DE was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list from 1995 through 2001. It is an aluminium open deck block design with microfinished internals and a relatively light weight.

An improved version of the VQ30DE is known by the designation VQ30DE-K. The K designation stands for the Japanese word kaizen which translates to "improvement". The engine was used in the 2000–2001 Nissan Maxima and adds a true dual-runner intake manifold for better high-end performance compared to some earlier Japanese and Middle-East market versions of this engine (2000-2001 Infiniti I30 models added an additional fenderwell intake, boosting power to 230PS (227hp; 169kW)). The VQ30DEK produces 227PS (167kW; 224hp). The 1995–1999 US spec VQ30DE was equipped with only a single runner intake manifold.

• 1994–1998 Nissan Cefiro (A32), 220PS (162kW; 217hp) and 206lb⋅ft (279N⋅m)
• 1995–1999 Nissan QX (A32)
• 1995–1999 Nissan Maxima (A32), 192PS (141kW; 189hp) and 205lb⋅ft (278N⋅m)
• 1996–1999 Infiniti I30 (A32), 192PS (141kW; 189hp) and 205lb⋅ft (278N⋅m)
• 2000–2001 Nissan Maxima (A33), 225PS (165kW; 222hp) and 217lb⋅ft (294N⋅m); 227PS (167kW; 224hp) for Anniversary Edition SE
• 2000–2001 Infiniti I30 (A33), 230PS (169kW; 227hp) and 217lb⋅ft (294N⋅m)
• 1999–2003 Nissan Bassara U30, 223PS (164kW; 220hp) and 206lb⋅ft (279N⋅m)
• 1998–2003 Nissan Presage U30, 223PS (164kW; 220hp) and 206lb⋅ft (279N⋅m)
• 2002–2004 Dallara SN01, World Series by Nissan
• 1995–1999 Nissan Gloria (Y33)

VQ30DET

The 3.0L (2,988cc) VQ30DET is a turbocharged version of the VQ30DE. Bore and stroke remain the same at 93mm ×73.3mm (3.66in ×2.89in) respectively, and it has a compression ratio of 9.0:1. It produces 270PS (199kW; 266hp) and 271lb⋅ft (367N⋅m). From 1998 onwards, it produces 280PS (206kW; 276hp) at 6000rpm and 285lb⋅ft (386N⋅m) at 3600rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 1995–2004 Nissan Gloria Y33, Y34
• 1995–2004 Nissan Cedric Y33, Y34
• 1996–1999 Nissan Leopard Y33
• 1996–2001 Nissan Cima Y33
• 2001–2007 Nissan Cima F50

VQ30DETT

The twin-turbo VQ30DETT is an engine used only in Nissan's racing cars, primarily in the Super GT series (formerly the JGTC). First used on the Skyline GT-R JGTC race cars during the 2002 season, this engine subsequently powered the Fairlady Z race cars. Homologation rules allow them to use the VQ30DETT in lieu of the stock VQ35DE. Race output of this engine is estimated at around 480PS (353kW; 473hp).

The VQ30DETT was replaced in 2007 by the VK45DE for use in the Super GT Fairlady Z's and later in the GT-R.

It was utilized in the following vehicles:

• 2002–2003 Skyline GT-R JGTC race cars (Non-Production)
• 2004 Fairlady Z JGTC race cars (Non-Production)
• 2005–2006 Fairlady Z Super GT race cars (Non-Production)

VQ35DE (Renault V4Y)

The 3.5L (3,498cc) VQ35DE is used in many modern Nissan vehicles. Bore and stroke are 95.5mm ×81.4mm (3.76in ×3.20in). It uses a similar block design to the VQ30DE, but adds variable valve timing (CVTCS) for the intake. It produces from 231 to 304PS (170 to 224kW; 228 to 300hp) of power and 246 to 274lb⋅ft (334 to 371N⋅m) of torque depending on the application.

The VQ35DE is built in Iwaki and Decherd, TN. It was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list from 2002 through to 2007 and again in 2016. It features forged steel connecting rods, a microfinished one-piece forged crankshaft, and Nissan's nylon intake manifold technology. It has low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and the intake is a high-flow tuned induction system. Since its inception Nissan has improved upon the VQ35DE with changes keeping it an efficient class leading V6 engine. The engine was updated in 2005 as the VQ35DE Rev-Up. It included variable exhaust timing, a higher rev limit, and a revised oil pump, boosting the output to 297 crank horsepower.

A modified version of the VQ35DE, called the S1, is produced by Nismo (Nissan's motorsports and performance division) for the Fairlady Z S-Tune GT. It produces 300PS (221kW; 296hp) at 7,500rpm, a higher rev-limit than that of the original VQ35DE.

North American

JDM and other markets

VQ40DE

The VQ40DE is a 4.0L (3,954cc) longer stroke variant of the VQ35DE. Bore and stroke are 95.5mm ×92mm (3.76in ×3.62in). Compression ratio is 9.7:1

Improvements include continuously variable valve timing, variable length/volume intake system, silent timing chain, hollow and lighter camshafts and friction reduction (microfinished surfaces, moly coated pistons). It is port fuel injected with platinum-tipped spark plugs. It produces 261 to 275hp (195 to 205kW; 265 to 279PS) at 5600rpm and 281 to 288lb⋅ft (381 to 390N⋅m) at 4000rpm.

DD series

The DD series is a variant of the DE series engines with direct fuel injection (NEO-Di) and eVTC (electronically controlled continuously variable valve timing).

VQ25DD

The 2.5L (2,495cc) engine has Bore and stroke of 85mm and 73.3mm respectively, with a compression ratio of 11 to 11.3:1. It produces 210 to 215PS (154 to 158kW; 207 to 212hp) at 6400rpm and 195 to 199lb⋅ft (264 to 270N⋅m) at 4400rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 1999–2002 Nissan Cefiro A33, 210PS (154kW; 207hp) (JDM)
• 1999–2004 Nissan Cedric/Nissan Gloria
• 2001–2006 Nissan Skyline V35 250GT, 215PS (158kW; 212hp)
• 2001–2007 Nissan Stagea M35, 215PS (158kW; 212hp)

VQ30DD

The 3.0L (2,988cc) engine has Bore and stroke of 93mm and 73.3mm, with a compression ratio of 11.0:1. It produces 230PS (169kW; 227hp) to 260PS (191kW; 256hp) at 6400rpm and 217 to 239lb⋅ft (294 to 324N⋅m) at 3600rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 1997–1999 Nissan Leopard Y33 230PS (169kW; 227hp) and 217lb⋅ft (294N⋅m)
• 1999–2004 Nissan Cedric Y34
• 1999–2004 Nissan Gloria Y34 240PS (177kW; 237hp) and 228lb⋅ft (309N⋅m)
• 2001–2004 Nissan Skyline V35 300GT 260PS (191kW; 256hp) and 239lb⋅ft (324N⋅m)
• 2001–2004 Nissan Stagea M35 260PS (191kW; 256hp) and 239lb⋅ft (324N⋅m)

VQ35DD

A larger 3.5L with direct-injection is released for 2017 model year.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2017–present Nissan Pathfinder 284–295hp (212–220kW; 288–299PS)
• 2017–2024 Infiniti QX60 295hp (220kW; 299PS)

VQ38DD

A 3.8L version with direct-injection is released for 2020 model year.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2020–present Nissan Frontier 310hp (231kW; 314PS)
• 2024–present Nissan Patrol 312hp (233kW; 316PS)

HR series

VQ25HR

The 2.5L VQ25HR (for "High Revolution" or "High Response") is only offered on longitudinally-mounted engine vehicles which tend to be rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Bore and stroke are 85mm ×73.3mm (3.35in ×2.89in), with a compression ratio of 10.3:1. It produces 221–228PS (163–168kW; 218–225hp) at 6,800rpm and 194lb⋅ft (263N⋅m) at 4,800rpm. It has dual CVTC for both intake and exhaust, microfinished camshafts and a redline of 7,500rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

VQ35HR

The VQ35HR engine was first seen in the US with the introduction of the updated 2007 G35 Sedan model, which debuted in August 2006. Nissan updated the VQ line with the addition of the 3.5L VQ35HR (for "High Revolution"). It produces 315hp (235kW; 319PS) (US market: 306hp (228kW; 310PS) using the revised SAE certified power benchmark) at 6,800rpm and 37kg⋅m (363N⋅m; 268lb⋅ft) at 4,800rpm, using a compression ratio of 10.6:1. As of 2009, the Infiniti EX35 produces 297hp (221kW; 301PS) and the same torque presumably due to tighter regulations.

It has NDIS (Nissan Direct Ignition System) and CVTC with hydraulic actuation on the intake cam and electromagnetic on the exhaust cam. Reportedly over 80% of the internal components were redesigned or strengthened to handle an increased RPM range sporting a lofty 7,600 rpm redline. A new dual-path intake (two air cleaners, throttle bodies, etc.) lowers intake tract restriction by 18 percent and new equal-length exhaust manifolds lead into mufflers that are 25 percent more free-flowing for all around better airflow. The electrically actuated variable valve timing on the exhaust cams to broaden the torque curve is new over the "DE" engine. The new engine block retained the same bore and stroke, but the connecting rods were lengthened and the block deck was raised by 8.4mm to reduce piston side-loads. This modification, along with the use of larger crank bearings with main bearing caps reinforced by a rigid ladder-type main cap girdle to allow the engine reliably rev to 7600 rpm. With an increase in compression ratio from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1, these changes add 6 more horsepower (306hp (228kW) total + 3hp ram air effect not measured by SAE testing = 309hp (230kW)). Peak torque is up 8 pound-feet (11N⋅m) from the older "DE" engine at 268lb⋅ft (363N⋅m) and the torque curve is higher and flatter across most of the rpm range, and especially in the lower rpm range.

The VQ35HR was utilized in rear-wheel-drive platforms while the VQ35DE continued to power Nissan's front-wheel-drive vehicles. In 2010, Nissan introduced a hybrid version of the VQ35HR, pairing the engine to a lithium-ion battery pack.

VQ38HR

By 2007, Nissan's ambition to increase the competitiveness of the Z33 chassis in Super Taikyu racing resulted in the development of a larger displacement engine based on the original VQ35HR Block. It featured the same bore but longer-throw crankshaft (bore × stroke: 95.5 mm × 88.4 mm). The end result was the VQ38HR powered Nismo Type 380RS-C which went on to dominate ST class 1 racing. The 3.8-liter racing engine in the 380RS-C develops maximum power of more than 294kW (394hp; 400PS), and maximum torque of 421N⋅m (311lb⋅ft). In order to use this new engine in Super GT GT500, limited numbers of the engine were reproduced in the street-legal Fairlady Z Nismo Type 380RS. The VQ38HR engine mounted in the 380RS is a detuned, street version of the racing engine used in the 380RS-C. The engine displacement remains the same, while the intake manifold and exhaust, air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, VTC and other specs have been optimized for street use. The engine produces maximum power of 257kW (345hp; 349PS) at 7200 rpm, and maximum torque of 397N⋅m (293lb⋅ft) at 4800 rpm.

The VQ38HR fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2007–2008 Nissan Fairlady Z Version Nismo Type 380RS-C
• 2007–2008 Nissan Fairlady Z Version Nismo Type 380RS

Production

The VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines were built at Nissan's Iwaki Plant in Fukushima Prefecture.

VHR series

The VHR series is a variation of the VQ-HR engine series with Nissan's VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift).

VQ37VHR

It was the first production engine from Nissan using VVEL. It has a compression ratio of 11.0:1, with a displacement of 3.7L; 225.5cuin (3,696cc), thanks to a bore x stroke of 95.5mm ×86mm (3.76in ×3.39in) and a redline of 7,500rpm. It is rated at 332bhp (337PS; 248kW) at 7,000 rpm and 270lb⋅ft (366N⋅m) of torque at 5,200 rpm, and up to 350bhp (355PS; 261kW) at 7,400 rpm and 276lb⋅ft (374N⋅m) of torque at 5,200 rpm.

Although the engine VQ37VHR gains only 2lb⋅ft (3N⋅m) and 8lb⋅ft (11N⋅m) in the Nissan 370Z Nismo, torque over the VQ35HR and this higher torque arrives at 5,200 rpm vs 4,800 rpm in the VQ35HR, the torque curve itself is improved and flattened via VVEL variable valve timing for better throttle response and low rpm torque.

See also

• List of Nissan engines
• World series by Nissan

• . AutoWeek. Archived from on 29 September 2007.

. VQpower.

External links

• Media related toNissan VQ enginesat Wikimedia Commons